KUBOTA GIN Fuyu no Oto, or "sound of winter," is the winter 2026 release in Asahi Shuzo's SATOYAMA IMPRESSION seasonal distillation series. It is bottled at 47% ABV in a 700 ml format. Juniper berries and Japanese mint are the two key botanicals named by the producer. The distillery describes a woody note reminiscent of conifers alongside mint's crisp, green freshness, a pairing that gives the winter bottling a clear profile without relying on sweetness.

Woody · Limited Edition · Herbal

Juniper opens with a resinous, pine-like aroma, while Japanese mint adds a cool, clean note. The producer says two juniper-based distillates, one woody and one more aromatic, are blended to create depth. Yuzu peel, cedar leaves, coriander, angelica, green raisins and camellia seeds form part of the selected seasonal botanical set. The mint is prominent but does not erase the familiar gin structure; the finish remains dry, fresh and gently woody.

SATOYAMA IMPRESSION is not a fixed seasonal recipe repeated from year to year. Asahi Shuzo says the series makes limited distillations that capture a particular seasonal memory of the satoyama landscape. For Fuyu no Oto, the producer selected ten botanicals from the wider KUBOTA GIN botanical range and built the winter profile around juniper and Japanese mint. The restrained selection and blending of separate distillates give the gin its specific seasonal identity.

The official sonic serve combines gin, soda and tonic in a ratio of 1:1.5:1.5. In a chilled highball glass, combine 4 cl gin, 6 cl chilled soda and 6 cl Indian tonic, then fill with clear ice and stir gently. Add one Japanese mint leaf inside the glass. The soda keeps the finish brisk, while tonic contributes a light sweetness that rounds the mint. Avoid a heavy garnish: the producer's recommended proportions are designed to keep the winter botanicals clear.